2013 NFL Draft Preview: Top 5 Offensive Linemen

Sep 29, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A

With the Draft coming up on April 25th – April 27th, college athletes across the country are prepping themselves for their shot at becoming the next big thing in the National Football League. Being a former offensive lineman myself, I know how important this position is. Quick feet, strength, awareness and excellent framework are keys when it comes to protecting your quarterback(s) and or running-back(s). Of course on-top of all that, knowing your snap count so your coaches won’t tear into you when you come off the field, also helps. Teams in the NFL are always looking to improve their front line on offense, some more than others. Yes, Chicago Bears, I am hinting at you. So here is my Top 5 prospects for this upcoming draft. Let’s start off with the first.

1. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M (6-6 310 lbs) – Projected to be a Top 10 pick in the draft, Joeckel has shown he can handle the best of the best. He has  awesome pass rushing protection and can do decent work when it comes to run blocking. I don’t see this man having a problem when he gets the hang of the NFL’s weight lifting program and gets adjusted. This kid reminds me of a younger Jake Long.
2. Chance Warmack, G, Alabama (6-3 320 lbs) – This man is a straight up monster. The Senior Guard did excellent when it come to the running game. Warmack has shown some struggles in games but adjusted well and bounced back to dominate whoever was across from him. Pass blocking can be improved when he reaches the league. He is projected to be in the Top 25. I wonder if he will get a call from Philadelphia.
3. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan (6-7 305 lbs) – When it comes to quick foot work, this man has exactly that. He has shown his ability to drop back into pass coverage and cut off speedy pass rushers and win his blocks. This kid is projected to go sometime in the 1st round, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is picked within the Top 5-10 as well. Whoever passes on him will be insane. The good thing about this kid, is he can afford to add more muscle mass to his frame. When that happens, good luck trying to get by him.
4. Dallas Thomas, G/OT, Tennessee (6-5 308 lbs) – A man who was moved to left guard,  is an excellent pass and run blocker. He is a part of a team who only allowed 18 sacks an entire season (around 1.5 per game) was the thirst lowest in the SEC. Projected to be a late 1st round or early 2nd round pick. I would love to see the Chicago Bears draft this young man.
5. Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina (6-3 295 lbs) – A good pass and run blocker who could keep options open with Offensive Linemen coaches. He recorded double digit knockdown blocks in 9 of 12 games this season. Helping the running game of North Carolina, which averaged 193.8 rushing yards a game their highest since 1994. Cooper is quick and athletic so being swapped between Guard and Center shouldn’t be a problem for him or whoever decides to draft him. I see him going in the 1st round, possibly the best guard available.